Welcome to the Church of All Saints, Bolton.
Parish
Bolton is an ancient settlement, lying on a low ridge above the River Eden. It has, in the past, been a chapel of ease in the parish of Morland. A map of the parish of Bolton on the AChurchNearYou site can be found by clicking on this link.
Dedication
The church is dedicated to All Saints.
History and architecture
The church is Grade I listed. The earliest surviving parts are Norman, dating from the 12th century. Significant changes were made in the 17th century, and a significant restorations were undertaken in 1848.
The arch of the south door, through which one enters, is distinctively Norman. It is no longer as prominent as it once was, having been enclosed by the porch.
17th-century features include the Poor Box, bearing the date 1634, and the font cover, which is dated 1687. The font itself is Medieval. The wood panelling and Chancel Arch also date from the 17th century. The wooden screen in the Chancel arch, with its delicate tracery, dates from the late 19th or early 20th century.
In 2008, the first phase of a restoration project, supported by English Heritage, was completed. Fundraising for this project within the community was supported with great generosity and enthusiasm, demonstrating how important the church is to our village.
The belfry at the western end of the building is unusual: more than a bellcote but less than a tower. There are similar examples locally, at Crosby Garrett and Warcop.
Services
There is a service in church every Sunday at 9.15am unless otherwise advertised: Holy Communion on the first, second and third Sundays of the month and a lay-led service of morning worship on the fourth. In fifth Sundays, the congregation joins other parishes in the benefice for a joint service elsewhere. Our congregation is small, warm and welcoming, and would love to see you if you are visiting.
Visiting
The church is open during daylight hours. A visitors' book is provided and there are pocket cross keepsakes, provided by the Mothers' Union which you are invited to take away.
There is plentiful on-street parking within a short walk from the church, but please be considerate of our neighbours.
Please note that there is no toilet or running water in the church.